Check Out CardsDirect for Your Personalized Cards Needs

If you are looking for some great personalized cards in large quantities for a great price, let me point you in the right direction.

CardsDirect is a fantastic source for cards ranging from corporate holiday cards all the way to a number of options for the regular consumer, such as birthday party invitations or birth announcements. I know I love all things personalized and have always loved sending out special cards to show off our children when they were born. I also do it during the holidays, and CardsDirect can help you out there as well!

For this blog post, I was offered the chance to order some cards from CardsDirect so I could tell you about my experience with them. I opted to pick some postcards that I could use with my etsy business shipments to thank customers and extend a “thank you” discount to them on any future orders they might place.



By the way…yes, I blacked out the code so it would not be offered up to the general public via this blog post.

So you can see that the front of the card is an image of some of my treats (orange creamsicle cake truffles). The back offers a simple thank you and gives a gift code that can be used on future orders. I can send these out with shipments or in preparation for the upcoming holidays as they approach. Or just periodically (like say, 3 months after an order has been received).

So how was it? Well, they were super easy to create using the software at CardsDirect. It was as easy as uploading a photo to a blog, Facebook, or a photo sharing website. My only complaint was that on the post card option there was no way (that I could find at least) to add text, as I would have loved to have added my shop’s name to the front of the card. You do have this option with the personalized card options though. The only other issue I had was that the pricing for lower quantities was not great. I know the quality was outstanding, but I would have liked lower price points for fewer items. As the quantity you are ordering increases though, the prices are MORE than competitive – they are outright great!

So the next time you are thinking of ordering several items like baby shower invitations or engagement announcements, take a look at CardsDirect. They are sure to have something you love!

I received free product with which to do this review. I was not compensated in any other way. My opinions are my own and are not influenced by the receipt of free items.

The Winds of Change are Blowing

So almost 3 weeks ago Chip left for OCS after re-enlisting in the National Guard. After 4 days of torture, he returned home – the 10th person sent home in those 4 days. He wasn’t prepared. He wasn’t prepared physically and didn’t have the procedures down in his head that he should have. Add lack of sleep to that mix and you have a recipe for disaster.

But not all hope is lost. He can go back…and he is going to. I know he is perfectly capable of graduating from OCS, but just didn’t have the time to prepare. For goodness sake, he just got his military ID two weeks before leaving!

So the next round of OCS starts in January, but now Chip is considering a different option. Instead of an accelerated 8-week program, he is considering a 1 year plan that basically follows the 2-weeks a year and one weekend a month plan that the National Guard uses. His drills would just consist of OCS training rather than a traditional drill. He would start January 2012 and finish January 2013. The slower pace would allow for more time to study in between, no extra time away from our family, and postpone any chance of deployment for a year. This is not yet set in stone, but is a big consideration for him right now.

So we had to readjust our financial plan as well. As you know if you’ve been reading here for a while, our plan included using the commissioning bonus that Chip would receive upon graduating to repay a large chunk of our debt. That will still come, but not as soon as we initially hoped. So here are the changes that will take effect immediately:

• We are pulling the kids out of daycare. They will stay at home with Chip during the day. This will last for Patrick until he starts kindergarten at the end of August. For Abigail, it will last until either January (if Chip does the accelerated OCS again then) or until next Fall when we have considered starting her in the 3K program at the Montessori program that Patrick will be attending. We will further evaluate that as the time draws near.
  
  Anyway…since we have been paying for Patrick and Abigail to both be in “summer camp” at the daycare this summer, this will saver us $1040.00 a month. Increased will be our food costs at home since they will be eating lunch and snacks at home, but decreased will be our gasoline costs of taking them daily.
  


• We have dropped Chip’s private life insurance policy. He has one through the National Guard now that costs $45/month less and guarantees more coverage. Win-win.
  


• We have dropped some excess subscription TV channels to the tune of $10/month.
  


• We have registered his military status with Verizon, dropping our mobile phone costs $15/month.
  


• We will be receiving a few hundred dollars a month now in drill pay from the National Guard. I’m not sure exactly how much yet, as Chip has not yet had a regular drill pay period yet. I will estimate $300.

So these changes will net us about $1410/month that will now be focused at debt repayment. So it won’t be as quick as we had anticipated, but these changes should move it quicker than it was moving before!

What would you do with an extra $1400 a month?

Tuesday Free For All - 06/28

First of all, Happy 2nd Birthday to our precious little girl, Abigail Jane! I can't believe she's already two! Where does the time go?!

Secondly, check this out...an actual Free for All post with freebies and everything! I'll bet you thought you'd come to the wrong place when you saw a real post up, right? I told you that I would do my best to be "back" this week and I am really working toward keeping that promise.

So, if you are looking to list your giveaway or find some to enter, scroll down to the bottom of this post. But if you don't scroll too fast, you can stop and take advantage of these great freebies and enter some sweepstakes on your way down to enter more giveaways!

FREEBIES:

• Free Fireworks for the 4th! Print this coupon good for 50 free fireworks at Fireworks Supermarket.
• Prilosec OTC Sample: Prilosec OTC provides all-day, all-night protection against frequent heartburn. That's zero heartburn for 24 hours with just one pill a day.
• Sign up for Quick and Crafty newsletter and receive free 4th of July Crafts and Recipes eBook.
• FREE Award-Winning Reading Games for Kids! No subscription necessary.
• Free vitamins: Get a free sample of Alternavites supplement.
• Free lotion: Register here to get a free sample of Trilipiderm lotion.
• Free samples of Playtex Sport: Register here to get free samples of Playtex Sport Tampons.
• Free taco at Taco John's: Print this coupon good for a free taco at Taco John's Restaurant.
• Free Dog Food: Register here to get free sample of Rachael Ray Nutrish Dog Food.
• Free Guide: Office 2010: Ultimate Tips & Tricks - This 30 page guide will focus on teaching users coming to Office 2010 how to take the most from the program and use every feature offered.
• BOGO Waffles at Waffle House: Print this coupon good for a free waffle when you buy one at Waffle House Restaurants.
• Free OJ at Kum and Go: Print this coupon good for a free 12 oz Tropicana Orange Juice.
• Free Alpo dog food sample from WalMart
• Get a free fly swatter at Walmart
• Free The Facebook Marketing Guide - This 26 page guide will help you understand the tools available, how they're used, best practices and how to set the tools up, but that's just the start.
• Sign up to receive a free sample of Shout Wipes.
• Hurry and grab this Free Sample of Fekkai Glossing Shampoo, Conditioner and Cream from Facebook! Don’t wait, there are only 44,000 samples available.
• Grab a free sample of Crest Pro Health Toothpaste and more, available while supplies last.
• Free Guide: Picture Perfect: Start Your Own Photoblog
• You can get some Free Martha Stewart Canning Labels right now.
• Summer Travel Activity Book FREE
• CPR Cleaner and Polish FREE sample
• Quick Chek is offering a printable coupon for a FREE 20 oz iced coffee. You must be a fan to print the coupon. Offer expires 7/4/11. Click here for a location near you.
• Print a coupon here (“like” them, then click the fan exclusives tab) to get a FREE 12 oz. Bison Dip at Wilson Farms. Coupon is good through 7/8/11. Click here to find a location near you.
• Hugo Boss is offering a FREE Hugo Boss Just Different fragrance sample. Other fragrances are also available for both men and women. This offer is available internationally, while supplies last.

SWEEPSTAKES:

• Belly Table Lamp Sweepstakes
• Marquis Los Cabos Resort Sweepstakes
• Breville Hot Wok Sweepstakes
• Kate Spade New York Bedding Sweepstakes: Enter to win a complete floral Queen bedding set from Kate Spade
• Honeywell True HEPA Air Purifier Sweepstakes: Enter to win an Energy Star rated tower air purifier
• St. Martin Villas of Distinction Sweepstakes: Enter to win a four-day, three-night stay at a top luxury villa in the Caribbean!
• PetSmart’s Top Dog Spring Grooming and Martha Stewart PETS Apparel Giveaway: Enter to win a PetSmart prize package so your pooch looks “paw-fectly” groomed and styled this spring and summer Number of prizes: 10 Expires: Tuesday June 28 2011 ARV: $110.00
• JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa in Cancun, Mexico, Getaway Giveaway: Enter to win a four-day, three-night stay for two at the JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa in Cancun, Mexico Number of prizes: 1 Expires: Wednesday June 29 2011 ARV: $1,700.00
• Belkin Flip Folio Stand for iPad2 Giveaway: Enter to win a slim, fashion-inspired iPad2 case from Belkin Number of prizes: 20 Expires: Saturday July 02 2011 ARV: $39.99
• Jessie Steele Kitchen Collection Apron Set Giveaway: Enter to win this adorable retro apron, a trio of matching dish towels plus an oven and pot mitt Number of prizes: 20 Expires: Monday July 04 2011 ARV: $58.25
• The Bumble Collections’ Jennifer Evening Bloom Weekender Bag Sweepstakes: Enter to win this fashionable and spacious black-and-white print tote, perfect for a weekend getaway! Number of prizes: 10 Expires: Tuesday July 05 2011 ARV: $79.99
• Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa in St. Lucia Getaway Giveaway: Enter to win a four-day, three-night all-inclusive stay at the Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa in St. Lucia Number of prizes: 1 Expires: Wednesday July 06 2011 ARV: $1,647.00
• The Small Dog Adventures Sweepstakes: Enter to win $2,000 in The Small Dog Adventures Sweepstakes brought to you by Mighty Dog! Sweepstakes Ends: June 30, 2011 One entry per household.
• Ladies Home Journal 2011 Walmart Shopping Spree Sweepstakes: Enter for a chance to win a $1,000 Walmart shopping spree! Sweepstakes Ends: June 30, 2011 One entry per day.
• 2011 Best New Products Sweepstakes: Ten (10) winners will receive a prize basket consisting of thirty four (34) best new winning products, retail value $305, and a $33 check for the retail value of eight (8) best new perishable products. See official rules for complete details. Sweepstakes Ends: June 30, 2011 One entry per household.
• Better Homes and Gardens $25,000 Home Makeover Sweepstakes: One winner will receive a $25,000 check! Sweepstakes Ends: June 30, 2011 One entry per day.
• Better Homes and Gardens $10,000 Ultimate Media Room Makeover: One winner will receive $10,000 to create the ultimate media room! Sweepstakes Ends: June 30, 2011 One entry per day.

GIVEAWAYS:




*Huge thanks to my sources: Thunder Fap, PointClickHome, Woman’s Day Magazine, The Freebie Blogger, Deal Seeking Mom, Couponing 101, Free Sample Freak, A Few ShortCuts, Better Homes & Gardens, SwagGrabber, Mommies with Cents, & "Deal"icious Mom


Photo credit: pdufour

How to Keep Children's Birthday Party Costs Low

We just had a big birthday blowout event for our daughter’s 2nd birthday (I'll do pictures later this week). It was full of food, friends, and fun. And since we’re on a tight budget these days, we wanted to be able to pull it off without the expenses that typically come with a bash. Here are some suggestions that could help you do the same!

Bake the Cake Yourself
I know that not everyone is Betty Crocker, but the directions on the side of a boxed cake mix could not be any easier. Whether you want to do a layer cake, a sheet cake, or cupcakes, the instructions are all right there in front of you. There’s really nothing to it.

And if you want to get “fancy” and make something to go along with a theme, there are SO MANY tutorials and photo blogs on the web that surely you can find something that matches your ability level. Trust me…I’m no expert but over the years I’ve been able to pull off a Baby Einstein caterpillar, a train cupcake cake, a tank, some ninjas, a butterfly and a giant cupcake. I just look for something that is fun but has a skill level of easy. So far my kids have loved every cake they’ve had!

Don’t Serve a Meal
If you are hosting a party, pick times that will not overlap with meal time. For instance, we like to do 2:00 – 4:00 or 3:00 – 5:00. These times allow for all of the little ones to finish naps (we’re still at that age) but not require me to feed actual food to the guests. Cake, ice cream, chips, and snacks will do it. I promise...you are not obligated to feed these people!

Pick a free location
You can host it at your house, a public park, or anywhere that doesn’t cost money. We have done 4 at our house and 2 at public parks and all were absolutely free to use. The ones at the park didn’t even require me to do party games, as we had cake and then just let the children loose!

Keep the décor simple!
If you want to do a theme, that’s fine. But you don’t have to buy all matching partyware. For instance, we did a ninja theme for Patrick’s 5th birthday. The cupcake ninjas were black and white with some red accents. So the plates? They were black “dinner” plates for food and red “dessert” plates for the cake and ice cream. There was no reason to pay top dollar to have ninjas actually ON the plates. For Abigail’s party that we just had this past weekend, we did buy dinner plates with cupcakes on them but the napkins, cups, and dessert plates were all solid colors that matched the colors on the themed plates. Way cheaper than the coordinating pieces that I could have bought.

Accept Help
If you have a good friend that you don’t mind asking, request that their gift to the child be to do something special for the party. Maybe they bake the best brownies or are an awesome photographer. Maybe they can make balloon animals or can make crafty decorations. The child will likely get so many gifts that they won’t “miss” one from this friendly neighbor and you’ll keep your cost low!

Forego the Goody Bags
I know…in this day and age this seems a big outlandish, but why are we thanking children for celebrating our child? It’s not like they need to be bribed to come to a party or anything! Most of the items we get in goody bags are cheap paper and plastic crap that goes into the garbage within a week of the party’s end. If you want to send the child home with something, include a craft as part of the party activities. For instance, at Abigail’s cupcake themed party last weekend, at the end of the party, the kids got to decorate a cupcake all by themselves. Yes it was messy, but boy did they love it! I taped a plastic tablecloth to our garage floor and pulled out every tub of frosting and every type of sprinkle that we had in the house. You should have seen their creations! They had so much fun, as most of them (ages 3-6) aren’t used to that much independence with their snacks.

So there are some tips on keeping children’s birthday parties on the cheap.

What have you done to keep costs low for your festivities?

Photo credit: mzacha

Weekend Round-Up #89

This week has been so insane. Between doctor's appointments, birthday party planning (Abigail's 2nd b'day party is today), family time, and oh yeah...WORK...things just haven't come together on the blog this week.

So, for this week's round-up, I want you to recommend YOUR favorite post of the week. It can be one you wrote (I'm all about shameless promotion around here) or just another one that you found particularly fun, moving, informative, or just interesting.

Go ahead...share away in the comments!

Tuesday Free For All - 06/21

I mean seriously...who doesn't want to chat with a monk? It's just a bonus that it is FREE, right?

So here we are once again on a Tuesday and I have NOTHING prepared for you lovely, lovely people (except a monk photo).

I am such a terrible hostess.

Please read yesterday's post if you want to know where in the world I have been. I really and truly hope to be back in full swing next week. Next week should have a lot of things settled and at rest. At least that's what I hope. Unfortunately, things never seem to go as I plan them to. So we'll just see how it goes.

Actually, you guys don't really seem broken up over my absence. Hmmm.... Maybe I should take a hint.

Just know that as you read this I am likely getting my first ever mammogram (jealous, right?) or at another doctor's appointment. Or if you are late getting to the party, I might just be home enjoying my family or making treats for Abigail's b'day party this weekend.

Either way, go ahead and list your giveaways here or find some to enter. And don't forget to stop over to my Black Diamond Countertop Cleaner giveaway and give it some love. It seriously needs it. There is a huge chance to win right now with so few entries!

GIVEAWAYS:



Photo credit: fotofreund

A Bit of Randomness to Get You Caught Up

I know...I'm a terrible blogger.

I have been so absent from this blog that it is pathetic. Yes, I've been making sure some posts go up on a semi-regular schedule, but it's been so impersonal. I'm hoping to change that back soon.

Here is what is going on:

I'm got some strange medical issues going on right now. Things that my doctor says are probably nothing but SOMETHING is causing them, so we're doing tests so that nothing is passed off or overlooked. I totally appreciate that. However, it is certainly a ... well, not scary, but rather...uncomfortable feeling. I'm going on the "it's probably nothing" to maintain relative sanity, but those "what ifs" continue to pop up in my head. I hate those guys.

Don't get me wrong...I know I'm in God's hands and that's the best place I could ever be. But the fear of what could be ahead is unnerving. Just because I know that God will be with me through anything doesn't mean that I want to buy a ticket for that train, you know?

Also...this Saturday is Abigail's birthday party. I can't believe that little girl is about to be TWO! Wow...where does the time go? We're doing a cupcake theme. I've gone all out for the goody bags and the food should be fun although I have to make it all this week. I will be updating with picture soon after it is over.

And as for the blog, I'm considering doing another Back to School Blowout of giveaways like I did last year. That was my first big series of giveaways and I think we all had a blast. For those of you who missed it, I hope you'll enjoy it as well. I'm starting to gather sponsors, so if any of you know anyone.... =)

And that's about it for now. I promise I have not forgotten you guys. I will be back in full force...maybe even by next week! =)

Weekend Round-Up #88

I hope you all have a great weekend. Take time to appreciate and thank the father in your life. Whether it is your father, your step-father, your grandfather, your husband, a father-figure, or all of the above, make sure he knows he is loved.

Here is some reading I enjoyed this week and wanted to share with you.

FINANCIAL:

• 6 Reasons to Mow Your Own Lawn this Summer at Christian PF. I've never thought about "whys" other than money ones on this topic, but this is a great post.
• 10 Free Things to Do for Dad on Father’s Day at Savings Scoop is a great source for free (and last minute) ideas for this weekend!
• How to Spot a Scam: 7 Questions To Ask Before Buying at MintLife will (hopefully) help you avoid getting taken.
• 17 Side Business Ideas You Can Start Today at Money Crashers offers a LOT of great ideas!

FAMILY/LIFE:

• It’s O.K. to Change Your Course at Man Vs Debt is a great post. Truly a worthy read!
• Thoughts on Losing an Unborn Child… at Man Vs Debt is one of the most inspirational and admirable posts I have ever read in my life. The strength and resolve with which they are handling this devastating event is profound and truly amazing. What an unfathomable attitude and approach. Baker, my prayers are with you, Courtney and Milligan.
• 3 Reasons NOT To Host A Birthday Party In Your Home at Parenting Squad made me laugh since we're hosting a birthday party AT OUR HOUSE next weekend. I do agree with every. single. one. of these.

FAITH:

• I WAS A PROSTITUTE at People of the Second Chance is a moving, powerful piece. If more of us could understand this before the experience, what a different life we could live.

FUN:

• Imaginary Conversations by Bryan Allain created a smile that grew larger and larger as I continued to read. Greatness.
• Fence Location FAIL at Failblog made me actually laugh out loud while eating my lunch at work.
• 10 Words You Need to Stop Misspelling at The Oatmeal - Okay, so this isn't funny at all. This is serious business, people. =) However, with The Oatmeal's presentation, how could it go anywhere BUT the "fun" category.
• Untrained, improvising, 16-year-old hillbilly rocks Australia’s Got Talent at 22 Words is simply incredible. Wow. Just wow.

Photo credit: Kevin

You Must Maintain the Pretty - A Giveaway - CLOSED

Congrats the winner:


Comment #6: janetfaye said... I like Black Diamond on FB

Sponsored by Tomoson.com

I love our engineered-stone countertops. It is one of the few things that we chose as an upgrade when our house was being completed. I really wanted nice, lovely countertops to add a bit of class to our kitchen.

Having never owned anything but laminate countertops though, I was not aware, until I owned them, that stone and other hard-surface countertops could not be cleaned with just any household cleaner.

I found various countertop cleaners that would work, but they typically took more elbow grease or just left a dull film on our counters, taking away from the beauty that they held.

What was I to do?

It seems that there ARE options though that are not just effective, but affordable AND eco-friendly! What’s not to like there?

Black Diamond Granite Cleaner came to my rescue.

This incredible cleaner is now my go-to cleaner for my stone kitchen countertops as well as our marble bathroom countertops. This is cleaner is 100% biodegradable and safe to use on all stone and hard surface countertops! And it leaves no streaks, as most multi-purpose cleaners do!

My experience? Very easy to use. Lovely results that I feel safe to use around my family while maintaining clean and neat kitchen and bathrooms.

You paid a premium price for those countertops, so why would you use just any cleaner on them and leave their beauty to a product that just doesn’t do it justice?

Buy It:
You can purchase this same cleaning product here for only $6.96!

Win It:
You can win a bottle of your own to care for your countertops!

Mandatory Entry: (must be done before other entries count)
Join GetCleanersOnline’s mailing list for great coupons and discount offers! (enter email address at top of home page). Leave a comment here letting me know you did!

Additional Entries: (leave one comment per entry)

• Tell me one other cleaner on this site that you would love to have.



• Follow Black Diamond Cleaner’s Twitter feed and let me know you do.



• Fan Black Diamond’s Facebook page and leave me a comment that you did.



• Follow my blog (via Google Friend Connect in sidebar or RSS at top of blog) and comment telling me you did (or that you already do).



• Enter any of the current giveaways listed at the top of the right sidebar (1 comment per giveaway entered)



• Fan Mrs Nespy's World and comment here that you did.



• Follow Mrs Nespy's World on Twitter and leave a comment that you do.



• Promote this giveaway via your blog (post the URL in the comments)



• Promote/link to this giveaway via Twitter (post your tweet in comments) - one post per day. Leave a comment with each tweet you make.



• Grab my Mrs Nespy's World button (right sidebar) for your blog - leave me a comment to tell me you did so

Giveaway closes on Saturday, June 25th at 11:59 pm EDT. Open to US residents, ages 18+. Winner will be chosen by Random.org. Commenter must either leave email address with each comment or make sure email address is attached to your profile. Winner will be contacted via email and will have 48 hours to return contact before another winner is chosen.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com created by WebBizIdeas.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Sometimes You Have to Reboot...

So what do you do when life just doesn’t turn out the way you expected?

I mean, we had a good plan to pay off our debt. By August we had planned that Chip would be through OCS and be an officer in the National Guard and his commissioning bonus would pay off my largest headache of a credit card. In the meantime, the money he would make would knock a large chunk out of our other card. We would be well on our way to being debt free.

But sometimes…you know where the road to good intentions leads…

Chip was not ready for OCS. He was dismissed early and will not get to complete it at this time. He does get to go back if he so chooses. And I’ve let him know that I fully support him and believe him to be capable. The problem this time? He wasn’t prepared. No one else there just cleared MEPS three weeks ago. No one else there just got their (new) military ID two weeks ago. No, the others there have been regularly drilling with a real unit for months…many of them years. They had time to study their manual. Chip has spent the last three weeks putting together paperwork and running around trying to gather all of the uniforms and gear he would need for OCS.

He just wasn’t ready this time.

And so much happened just before he left that tried to keep him from going. He pushed through it all and made it (against seemingly all odds).

This makes me believe that maybe this was not his time to be at OCS. Maybe there is a reason he needs to be at home right now. Maybe that is why so many roadblocks came up in the first place. Maybe God was trying to keep him home. And once he got there, maybe God said something to the effect of, “Holy cow, what will it take to get through to him?!” and made sure he came home.

Maybe not.

But we’ve got to make a new plan now.

We’ve got to re-evaluate our plan.

While Chip has been unemployed over the last few months, all of our monthly overages have been coming out of our accelerated emergency fund that was built out of our tax refund. That money is almost gone now. And I was okay with that because soon we were going to be a dual income family again and our debt was going to be drastically reduced, making it easier to knock out those finals bills.

But now that can’t happen.

So what do you do?

What do you do when you go to get an oil change and end up dropping $400 on other repairs that are needed (and totally legitimate)?

What do you do when he spends $1000 buying items that are necessary to go to OCS and then doesn’t get the chance to get that money back in salary?

You re-plan.

And that’s what we’re doing.

Wish us luck!

Have you ever had to back up and start again things just didn’t go as planned?

Photo credit: allenp

Tuesday Free For All - 06/14

I know...you really don't believe I'll ever have a free for all post like the old ones (you know, with giveaways, freebies and sweepstakes listed), do you?

And I understand why you would think that.

But there just isn't time anymore it seems.

I'm going to try harder though...I promise. But this week it isn't going to happen.

So...

Just enter some giveaways listed here or list your own for others to see! And have fun...because someone has to win each of these, and it won't be you if you don't enter!

Fun Activities that Teach Children How to Help Lower Your Electric Bill (Guest Post)

A worthwhile and fun project this summer when your kids whine "I'm bored!" is to teach them about saving money and conserving energy. And this doesn't have to be a heavy-handed education. It's obviously important to teach your kids about the cost of running a household. In the process you can also save mom and dad a few bucks!

Electric Artistry

A variety of activities can be used to teach kids about saving electricity. Trace around a switch plate and let your kids design a switch plate cover for their room. The design should remind them to turn out the light when they leave the room. Your young artists can also design covers for other rooms in the house if that doesn't offend your sense of interior design! If you're like me, you're not particularly worried about your home looking designer-magazine ready all the time anyway. A homemade switch plate cover or small sign could also be made to remind everyone to turn off fans when leaving a room.

Weatherproofing

Show your children about the position of the sun and what direction your home faces. In the summer, kids can close the blinds or curtains on the east side in the morning and the west side in the afternoon to help keep the house cool. The north wind can be kept out in the winter by closing curtains on the north side of the house. These are such simple practices that even my kids enjoy making it their responsibility!

Energy Bill Game

During the high-energy cost months of the summer and winter, you can create a game out of saving money on the energy bill. Show your children the bill from a year ago for that same month. Explain that if they help in saving energy by turning out the lights, turning off the TV or video games, closing curtains and living with the thermostat at your setting - there should be a savings on the energy bill. If the bill is lower, the kids get to have the difference. For example, if last year's June bill was $250 and this year's bill is $230, the kids get a $20 reward. The reward can be used for something fun like a favorite restaurant or for ice cream. Or they could save half of it and do something fun with the other half (which helps teach them how to save).

Coupon Clerking

Here’s another fun tip to help your child earn some extra money. We've helped our kids get into the habit of searching the Sunday newspaper for coupons and then cutting them out. If your children are old enough to organize the coupons into envelopes or another smart system, encourage it as a great added bonus! Plus, it'll pay off in other ways down the road. If you have more than one child, you can give your kids different coupon sections to cut out.

So here's how this works -- when I go to the store, I use some of those Sunday coupons. I then pay my child whatever amount is listed for the face value of the coupons used. In my case, because I have more than one child, I divide the money evenly to prevent arguing. I save money on the grocery bill and my kids learn how to earn and hopefully save some cash. They also get some acknowledgement for helping the family live a little more frugally!

Helpful Hints

Need some basic tips on teaching your kids about energy conservation? Check out http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=kids.kids_index for some neat games and activities that kids will love. Children will enjoy exploring the website and learning fun facts about electricity. Where does electricity come from? How can you conserve energy at home? The parents and teachers section is full of ideas and resources; some of the ideas include Dr. Seuss books!

Let's get busy having some fun saving energy and money!

Abby Snyder writes for FurnaceCompare.com on how homeowners can save money on their heating and cooling bills. FurnaceCompare.com provides comprehensive, unbiased data and consumer product information on air conditioners, boilers, furnaces and heat pumps.

Weekend Round-Up #87

• The Store Sales Cycle: Your Monthly Guide to Clearance Prices at Wisebread is important info if you are new to couponing and bargain shopping! If you aren't new to it, this is great review material.
• 62 Money-Saving Tips to Help Survive Another Recession at Frugal Dad is full of great tips. Go see if you can learn a thing or two!
• 16 Things That Don’t Impress Me by Tyler Stanton cracked me up and had me nodding.
• #227 When you finally get rid of that thing that’s been rolling around the trunk of your car forever at 1000 Awesome Things made me laugh. Who else has been there?!



• And lastly, my favorite new website: Awesome People Hanging Out Together.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Photo credit: Jos van Wunnik

Stocking Spree at Publix

If you have a Publix nearby, make sure to click on the link below to get $50 in savings in a booklet mailed to your front door!



And even better, after you request yours, you can share this news with 3 or more people and get another coupon in your inbox for $2 produce at Publix!

Hurry - it's a "while supplies last" kinda' deal!

Wordless Wednesday - Packing Up

Tuesday evening this is what our den looked like.





I know it's only for 2 months, but I'm going to miss him.

Tuesday Free For All - 06/07

Once again, life is crazy enough as to take away from blogging time. Therefore, you will still get the opportunity to list your giveaways and enter others', but no freebies or sweepstakes listings today!

Don't forget to enter the giveaways I have going on right now:

Zillionz Toys - Ends 6/8

Chili's $20 GC - Ends 6/12

Color It By Numbers (here) - Ends 6/13

Color It By Numbers (GGG) - Ends 6/13

GIVEAWAYS:





Photo credit: sea turtle

What Are Your Three Favorite Foods? - A Giveaway - CLOSED

Congrats to our winner:


April said... entered name in form

Our family loves to go to Chili's. Not only is the service always outstanding, but the food is good and the kids' menu is outstanding and broad! Yes...even our picky eater has more than one option to choose from. What more could a family dining out ask for?

Chili's posing a question to all of its fans right now though via the Shout Out to Eat Out campaign:

If you could have your three favorite foods on a plate, what would they be?

That's tough because I don't know that my three favorite foods really go together on a plate, so it turns out kinda' weird. But here it goes:

Item 1: Filet Mignon cooked medium well
Item 2: Authentic jambalaya with chicken, sausage AND shrimp included
Item 3: This mushroom ravioli dish that we had on our honeymoon. I hate mushrooms, but this was divine!
And if I could have a 4th: Cheesecake - a huge chunk of it. =)


When we were offered the chance to try out their new Triple Dipper appetizer courtesy of Chili's, we knew we couldn't pass up the opportunity! This new treat allows you to choose from 10 different items on their appetizer list and put it all on one plate with complimentary dipping sauces.

So we decided to partake on a Saturday afternoon after letting the kids get good and hungry by running wild at a playland area at our local mall. Across the street we then traveled to Chili's to try out this new menu option.

Patrick (our picky child) ordered a cheese pizza, mandarin oranges, and a chocolate milk.


Abigail (obviously not a picky child) got a cheese quesadilla, steamed broccoli, and milk.


Chip ordered water, I ordered sweet tea, and then we split the appetizer as our lunch. Let me tell you...that appetizer was plenty enough for the two of us to be well satisfied for lunch. Actually a bit full. We chose the Loaded Potato Skins (with sour cream), Big Mouth Bites (with ranch), and Chicken Crispers (with Honey Mustard). Look at all of that food!


Yum!

As I said, we were more than satiated - we were a bit full and ended up eating a later dinner because we were so stuffed. All for $10 (for the appetizer).

So what did all of this run us? For two kids meals with drinks, one sweet tea, one water and one Triple Dipper appetizer? $23.50

For a family of four dining out...that's not too bad!


And now that Chili's is offering you a $20 gift card via this blog's participation in the Good Things Come in 3's party at 2Wired2Tired, you could order the same thing for only $3.50! Can you do better than that for a night out and not having to cook?!

So how can you win the $20 gift card to Chili's?

Mandatory Entry: (must be done for other entries to count)
Click here and enter "Mrs Nespy's World" in the blank. Then come back and leave me a comment that you did it. That's it!

Additional Entries (leave one comment per entry):

• Tell me your 3 favorite foods you would like to have all on 1 plate.
• "Like" Chili's on Facebook
• Follow @Chilis & @Shoutout2eatout on Twitter
• Create your terrific trio located on http://www.shoutouttoeatout.com/ and comment with the URL link
• Opt-In to Chili's email club here http://bit.ly/m6HYef (You'll receive a free appetizer certificate too!)
• Tweet out this:
  "At @Chilis Good Things Come In 3's! Check out @2Wired2Tired http://bit.ly/linkyrave for 200 chances to win in the #tripledipper linky rave!”
• Write a post on your blog about your 3 favorite foods you would like to have all on 1 plate and mention the Shoutout2eatout.com promotion. Then comment with the URL link
• Follow my blog (via Google Friend Connect in sidebar or RSS at top of blog) and comment telling me you did (or that you already do).
• Enter any of the current giveaways listed at the top of the right sidebar (1 comment per giveaway entered)
• Fan Mrs Nespy's World and comment here that you did.
• Follow Mrs Nespy's World on Twitter and leave a comment that you do.
• Promote this giveaway via your blog (post the URL in the comments)
• Grab my Mrs Nespy's World button (right sidebar) for your blog - leave me a comment to tell me you did so

Holy cow...that's a lot of possible entries! So what are you waiting for? Get moving!

Giveaway Rules: Giveaway will run until June 12th at 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be chosen by Random.org. US only. Commenter must either leave email address with each comment or make sure email address is attached to your profile. Winner will be contacted via email and will have 48 hours to return contact before another winner is chosen.

I was offered a $20 Gift Certificate like the one being given away for the purpose of this review. All opinions expressed are purely my own.

Color It By Numbers - A Giveaway - CLOSED

Congrats to our winner:

April said...
following on GFC


Children love to color, right?

Children love technology, right? (and they are too good at it!)

Why not combine the two?

Color It By Numbers offers families a way to allow children to color pictures online using a traditional "color by number" format that isn't found too often today.


By following the patterns, children are taught and encouraged as they review both their color knowledge as well as their number and pattern recognition.

And you aren't stuck with the same old picture every time. Since Color It By Numbers makes it easy to change the preset colors, your child can decide what color the objects in the picture are going to be and make a different picture every time!


With varying levels of interest and difficulty, this site will be interesting to children of many ages. The pictures are divided into three separate coloring books: one for princesses, one for animals, and one for vehicles. What fun and a little something for everyone!

What about its compatibility with your machine? With so many different possibilities of computers that will be running these coloring books, this could be a potential nightmare, right? Well, Color It By Numbers has a cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux) set up that works will all variations of screen resolution. In other words, I don't think you can go wrong!


This site is fun and a great tool for keeping them on their feet during the summer or just a great rainy-day activity that results in works of art (without all of the mess).

The Review:
This was a difficult review for our family. Our daughter is too young to recognize the number/color concept and we don't let her on the computer (she's not 2 yet, people). Our son is allowed to play on the computer for limited time, but at 5 and brilliant, is past recognizing colors and numbers and putting those ideas together. However, there are other levels that he skipped right onto and still enjoyed the program immensely.

He liked being able to create his own masterpieces by changing the preset colors and therefore, coloring things whatever color he wanted. He liked seeing how the pictures came together in the end and still had fun. And honestly...as long as he was having fun, I could not complain!


It's no substitute for hands-on coloring, but a great alternative just to mix things up a bit!

The Giveaway:
Color It By Numbers is offering one of my readers the chance to win access to all three "coloring books" on their site so your little one can color princesses, animals, and vehicles!

Mandatory Entry:
Visit Color It By Numbers and tell me something you learned.

Additional Entries (leave one comment per entry):

• Follow Color It By Numbers on Facebook and leave a comment that you did.
• Follow Color It By Numbers on Twitter and let me know you did.
• Follow my blog (via Google Friend Connect in sidebar or RSS at top of blog) and comment telling me you did (or that you already do).
• Enter any of the current giveaways listed at the top of the right sidebar (1 comment per giveaway entered)
• Enter the concurrent giveaway I am also featuring of this at Girly Girl Giveaways (another chance to win!) and leave me a comment that you did.
• Fan Mrs Nespy's World and comment here that you did.
• Follow Mrs Nespy's World on Twitter and leave a comment that you do.
• Promote this giveaway via your blog (post the URL in the comments)
• Promote/link to this giveaway via Twitter (post your tweet in comments) - one post per day. Leave a comment with each tweet you make.
• Grab my Mrs Nespy's World button (right sidebar) for your blog - leave me a comment to tell me you did so

Giveaway Rules: Giveaway will run until June 13th at 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be chosen by Random.org. US only. Commenter must either leave email address with each comment or make sure email address is attached to your profile. Winner will be contacted via email and will have 48 hours to return contact before another winner is chosen.

I was provided with access codes to allow us to review this product for free. My opinions are purely my own.

Weekend Round-Up #86

Here are a couple of reads to get you through the weekend:

Maks sure you check out the Baby Event running through June 14th at Coupons are Great! Fantastic opportunity for expecting mothers or those who are their friends!

Devil's Food Cupcakes with Nutella Butter Cream Frosting at Bouffe e Bambini. I really don't have to say anything beyond the title to convince you to click over, do I?


Photo credit: QUOI Media

Love Drop - Month 6 - The Aubin Family

So, are you wondering how the Love Drop for the Stalnakers went? If you aren't, you should be! If you don't know what I'm talking about, consider a few people on the internet got together and helped a family battling this economy and a daughter's serious health conditions and gave them a Mustang! Don't believe me? Click over here to watch the video (due to the size, I won't embed this one, but trust me...it's SO worth clicking over for!). Go ahead...I'll wait.

Don't you want to be a part of something like that?

Well, it's June and time for another Love Drop and the good news is that you CAN be a part of it!

June's Love Drop will focus on the Aubin family. The husband and father of the Aubin Family, Keith, passed away in April from a long battle with various health issues. But wanting to make a difference even in death, Keith donated several parts of his body so that others could go on living healthy lives.

This month, Love Drop wants to take some of the financial burden off of the Aubin family by raising $3600 to cover the next three months of rent for Sheila and her three children. With this weight off of their shoulders they will be able to focus on living and healing, remembering and moving on.

Watch this to see their story and how Keith has changed others' lives.



Although Love Drop talks about giving even $1 (which they will happily take if you want to give it), they have added a one time $25 donation button to their website to help the Aubin family.

How can you help?

• Give $25 towards rent <-- Click this link to contribute $25 towards their rent for the next three months – it will relieve so much stress for them.
• Give a gift or service – Gift cards are always helpful. Places like Target, Wal-mart, restaurants, etc would definitely help them out. Services too – especially those you can offer yourselves, or from your company.
• Organ donation – We’re giving the Aubin’s the gift of knowing that the people on our team are organ donors. If you are one now, or pledge to be soon, please tell us so, and we’ll relay the total number as a gift at the Drop.
• Money is always needed, but the cool factor comes when people start giving creatively. Tell us how you want to give, and we’ll make it happen!

Let's do this!

WFMW - Mom...I'm BORED!

Now that summer has arrived, many households that were once full of kids so excited for the end of school will be filled with the sounds of “I’m bored.” There are plenty of toys and activities about that you could use to fill their time that would also empty your pockets, but in keeping with the theme of my blog, I’m going to suggest a few ideas for some money-savings boredom busters!

1. Library – You see it time and time again on frugal blogs – the library. But seriously…you wouldn’t see it if it didn’t work for so many people! Our library provides books, story time, summer activities like camps and story times with dogs, videos, magazines, and even study material. That’s right…at our library you can borrow for up to 3 weeks a package of “science” or “math” or “spelling” (and others) material for a particular age range. It may not sound fun to the kids, but it will keep them on their toes during the summer and they might discover some fun games!
2. Bring out the hose – You might waste some water, so this isn’t the most frugal idea, but a great way to keep cool if you don’t have a pool. Better yet – get the kids to wash your car and pay them for it. They get to earn some summer money, you get a (semi-) clean car, they get to play with the hose, and you get an hour or so without hearing “I’m bored!”
3. Geocaching and Letterboxing – What a great way to spend time together as a family. It only costs you whatever gasoline you need (although most of this will be walking). Most people either have a GPS for their car or on their phones these days, so this would be a great opportunity to explore your local landscape and teach your children about GPS/compass reading. Also you could do the “nature walk” thing while your hunting down your treasures!
4. Volunteering – This will only cost you your time and energy but the rewards will be priceless. Spend time together as a family working with some local organization that needs your help. You and your children will learn more about giving and serving as well as get to help out others in need. Contact your local Habitat for Humanity, shelters, soup kitchens, churches, or animal shelters.
5. Cards/Board Games – One of my all time favorites – we are a board game family! I grew up playing various card games (there are dozens of versions of solitaire and you don’t even need a computer to play them!) as well as board games. I was so “deprived” that I played Sorry, Monopoly, Life, etc by myself. I know…sounds pitiful, but there is a lot to be said for a child learning to entertain themselves rather than depending on someone else to do so!
6. Puzzles – Whether it is the jigsaw variety or the crossword type, puzzles can pass hours, keep your brain working, and sometimes give kids something to do together!
7. Lemonade Stand – This age-old first business is a great way to keep kids occupied while teaching them some business sense. One great twist here in the deep south is sweet tea stands. Children in our neighborhood sell sweet tea right about the time neighbors are arriving home from work. The tea isn’t always very good, but it is a great way to support the kids and it puts a smile on my face when I am getting home in the afternoon.

So none of these are original, but all pass the time, teach kids something, and/or get them out of your hair (at least for a little while!).

What boredom busters do you have?

If you want to see other people’s great ideas, hop over to We Are THAT Family and check out Works for Me Wednesday!

Photo credit: matchstick

Money Management for Kids - Zillionz Toys Giveaway - CLOSED

Congrats to our winner:

KPort207 said...
Favorite toy is Zillionz Big Fat Pig.

As I find myself making some really stupid financial decisions throughout my life, I wonder what I can do to make sure my children don't make the same mistakes I did. I mean, my family was very frugal in day-to-day activities, but it was because we had to be...there was no money to spend.

I do remember my mom having multiple credit cards though and spending without the plan of paying it off at the end of the month. For a while I was really responsible with my money, but I fell into this same trap.

Now that our family is fighting the uphill battle of trying to pay off our debts and live a debt-free lifestyle, I want to teach these principles to our children in a way that they can understand and can apply to their lives both now and in the future.

Zillionz Toys is out to help people teach their children in very real and tangible ways. With toys that begin educating at age 3, starting early is easy and encouraged!

Some of the toys that truly highlight responsible money management include a Talking Cash Register that teaches basic money and math skills, a Counting Money Jar that helps count everything for your child, and a Savings Goal ATM to help count their money and work towards a specific goal to save for.

The Review:
We were sent the Savings Goal ATM to use with Patrick, our 5 year old son.

The great things about toys like this is that it is all a game to him, but he is learning about real principles and life lessons while enjoying himself!

We set up the ATM and set his PIN for his card. He loved the idea that he had a secret code to get to his money! He also liked that we could personalize it to show his name in the greeting.

We emptied his piggy bank and another counting bank that he had so we could feed every coin and dollar bill he had into his ATM. The ATM allowed his to check his balance, make a deposit and make a withdrawal at his own leisure while keeping track of how much it is holding onto for him.


The ATM allows you to set a savings goal and encourage him to reach it. For instance, if he were saving $100 for a bicycle, it would tell him that he had $12.54 left to reach his goal and that he had 14 days to do it. It was awesome!


After all was said and done, his ATM now sits on his dresser. As you can see, he has a pirate head, a ninja and two small beatles guarding it. =)


Overall, I think this toy is a great tool. Patrick was truly excited about using it and mom was truly excited about the lessons he is learning with it.

The Giveaway:
Zillionz Toys would like to offer one of my readers their choice of the Savings Goal ATM that we reviewed or the three language Talking Cash Register (each a $39.99 retail value).

Mandatory Entry: (must be done for the other entries to count)
Visit Zillionz Toys and tell me your favorite toy available.

Additional Entries (leave one comment per entry):

• Tell me who this toy would be for if you won.
• Follow my blog (via Google Friend Connect in sidebar or RSS at top of blog) and comment telling me you did (or that you already do).
• Enter any of the current giveaways listed at the top of the right sidebar (1 comment per giveaway entered)
• Fan Mrs Nespy's World and comment here that you did.
• Follow Mrs Nespy's World on Twitter and leave a comment that you do.
• Promote this giveaway via your blog (post the URL in the comments)
• Promote/link to this giveaway via Twitter (post your tweet in comments) - one post per day. Leave a comment with each tweet you make.
• Grab my Mrs Nespy's World button (right sidebar) for your blog - leave me a comment to tell me you did so

Giveaway closes on Wednesday, Juen 8th at 11:59 pm EDT. Open to US residents, ages 18+. Winner will be chosen by Random.org. Commenter must either leave email address with each comment or make sure email address is attached to your profile. Winner will be contacted via email and will have 48 hours to return contact before another winner is chosen.

I was provided the Savings Goal ATM for review at no charge. My opinions are my own.